Of Kingdoms and Curses (Blood and Curses Book 1) by Amy Woodruff

Hello my bookish friends,

Today I am reviewing Of Kingdoms and Curses (Blood and Curses Book 1) by Amy Woodruff.

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There’s only one thing Bridget Adams wants: to get home.

After being trapped for seven months in the Kingdom of Elyria, where magic is ruthless, permanent, and always comes with a price, she’s tired of dealing with curses, especially ones that take everything from her. In Elyria, all humans are cursed. Whenever one enters the magical realm, they lose their memories. Forever.

The only things Bridget knows about her past are the small tidbits Cora tells her, which isn’t much. The leader of the nomadic Witch coven is merciless, and with Bridget essentially owned by Cora, she always keeps Bridget by her side. No matter how many times Bridget tries to escape her grasp, she always fails.

In the name of helping the coven, Cora places her in a tournament to compete to marry the Fae Prince, Cade. Believing her freedom is in sight, Bridget agrees to join and plans to sneak away before it starts. However, an unexpected binding contract restricts her to the palace grounds. Forced to participate, Bridget navigates the dangerous tasks of the tournament, until she accidentally stumbles upon the prince. Cade has secrets of his own, though, including ones that involve the human realm, and when he offers to help Bridget return there, she decides to trust him.

As they grow closer, it becomes clear things aren’t as they appear. She discovers her presence in Elyria and the tournament is part of a greater plan, one that has deadly consequences. As secrets, history, and conspiracies unravel around her, Bridget begins to realize the greatest curse of all: love.

“Of Kingdoms and Curses” (Blood and Curses Book 1) by Amy Woodruff is a captivating tale that hooked me from start to finish! I devoured the book in almost one sitting, desperate to uncover the secrets and discover what happens next.

This enchanting story has everything I love in a fantasy novel, lost memories, witches, a thrilling competition, and a mysterious fae prince and I'm eager to continue the journey in the next instalment. Amy Woodruff's writing has me under its spell, and I highly recommend “Of Kingdoms and Curses” to anyone who craves a magical adventure with a hint of romance and intrigue.

I will definitely read other books by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from City Owl and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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A Murderous Plot by Sue Minix

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing Sentenced to Murder by Sue Minix the 5th instalment in the "A Bookstore Mystery" series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 6!

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She can plot out the perfect murder mystery… But can she solve one in real life?

Just as Jen sits down to write her next murder mystery novel, a killer strikes again in the tiny town of Riddleton.

Will Jen be able to solve this murderous plot, or will the killer, and her new book, get the better of her?

This bookish cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Ellery Adams, and will leave you guessing right up until the final page.

I really enjoyed visiting Riddleton again and Ravenous Reads Bookstore.  The main cast of characters Charlie, Lacey, Eric, and I love Savannah the German shepherd and all her antics. Jen is trying to navigate having a partner in the bookstore and what that entails as well as, write 2 more books in a year along with proving  her nemesis, Detective Havermyer is not a killer.

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story.  

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Harper Collins/Avon and NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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The Dark Wives A Vera Stanhope Novel by Ann Cleeves

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Dark Wives” by Ann Cleeves it's the 11th instalment in the Vera Stanhope Mystery Series. I love the Vera Mystery series and this instalment did not disappoint.  In fact, I thought that it was one of the best in the series.

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As New York Times bestseller Ann Cleeves's beloved Vera series explodes in popularity in print and on TV, this stunning eleventh book explores the web of secrets surrounding a young man's death.

The man’s body is found in the early morning light by a local dog walker in the park outside Rosebank, a home for troubled teens in the coastal village of Longwater. The victim is Josh, a staff member, who was due to work the previous night but never showed up.

DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate the death, with her only clue being the disappearance of one of the home’s residents, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence. Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility.

Vera, Joe and new team member Rosie Bell, are soon embroiled in the case, and when a second connected body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of the Northumberland countryside, superstition and folklore begin to collide with fact. Vera knows she has to find Chloe to get to the truth, and the dark secrets in their community that may be far more dangerous than she could have ever believed possible.

The Series is character-driven and also very descriptive you feel like you are right there in Northumbria, England. In this instalment we get to catch up with Vera and her team, after the death of team member Holly.  Vera is trying to communicate more with the team and new member Rosie, as Vera blames herself for Hollys death. 

We had lots of suspects but I did sort of guess one of the suspects just before it was revealed.  

I highly recommend this book and the Vera Stanhope Mystery series to all my British Mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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Trouble Is Brewing by Vicki Delany

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Trouble is Brewing ” by Vicki Delany the 5th instalment in the “Tea by the Sea Mysteries”. I’m never disappointed when I pick up one of Vicki Delany’s books. 

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Lily Roberts’s Cape Cod tearoom is hosting a bridal shower—until a gruesome gift sends the guest of honor running in fear . . .

Members of the Reynolds and Hill families are staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.

Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?

The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in couple days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and delectable food.  

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept me guessing till the very end.  I love the main character of Lily, her grandmother Rose, Simon, and her BFF Bernie.  

I won’t go into detail about the mystery as the book blurb does a wonderful job of it but I will say if you like afternoon tea, the seaside, and a great mystery then this series is for you.   Includes recipes at back of book ... yummy

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “An Irish Bookshop Murder ” by Lucy Connelly the 1st instalment in the " A Mercy McCarthy Mystery" series. I enjoyed this book and think it’s a great start to a new series.  I’ve enjoyed Lucy Connelly’s Scottish Isle Mysteries so was excited to see another series by her but set in Ireland.

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Meet Ireland’s newest daring detective: she’s a bookstore owner, a coffee lover, and a crime writer. Now Mercy McCarthy needs a little Irish luck as she takes on her first case!

After receiving unexpected inheritance from her grandfather, Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are now the proud owners of a charming antique bookshop in the tiny Irish village of Shamrock Cove. But before they can take in the beautiful view of the sea, one of their neighbors drops dead!

Mercy finds the Judge, a well-respected man who lives next door, dying on his own doorstep. She rushes to help, but with his final words, he accuses Mercy of murder! Most of their new neighbors hear his words and, with suspicion pointing at Mercy, she decides to investigate the case to clear her name.

Searching amongst the Judge’s old books, Mercy uncovers letters proving several of the townsfolk had reason to dislike the judge—but was it the local pub landlord, the kindly cook or neighborly knitter who killed him?

Then Mercy’s chief suspect turns up dead and she receives a threatening note, typed on paper from her own bookstore… Ireland was supposed to be a fresh start for Mercy and Lizzie, but dead bodies keep turning up.

Does Mercy have what it takes to nail the culprit or will the killer close the book on her time in this charming Irish village?

Readers who love Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor or Faith Martin, you’ve found your newest cozy crime addiction! An incredibly fast-paced and funny whodunnit that will sweep you away to Ireland and keep you zipping through until you reach the very last page.

I really enjoyed visiting Shamrock Cove, Ireland from the colourful high street,  the sea at their door step, and cottages on the court, and a bookstore. Another thing I enjoyed was the relationship between Mercy and Lizzie, the banter between the twins was funny and you knew they had each other’s back.  I also loved the characters of Lolly and Keiran.  It's great how the people of Shamrock Cove take care of their own and opened their arms to adopt Mercy and Lizzie into their “Court” family.

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Mercy did.  

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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Thank You, Next by Kathryn Freeman

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Thank You, Next by Kathryn Freeman.  What can I say other than I really enjoyed it and read in one day.  

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In this game of hearts, the stakes have never been higher…

Molly Harris is used to being left. Parents, boyfriends – she’s the queen of rejection. Her latest boyfriend, gym-fanatic Duncan, dumps her to go on reality dating show The One which sets up hot singletons to date for four weeks before meeting at the altar to say, ‘I do’.

But Duncan was the one who picked Molly up and put her back together the last time her heart got broken, so, determined not to let ‘The One’ get away, she follows Duncan onto the show. If she can prove that they’re meant to be, she might just get the happily ever after of her dreams…

But on the first day of filming, another reminder of her painful history walks into Happily Ever After Towers: Ben Knight, her it’s-not-you-it’s-me heartbreaker. The one she loved before Duncan.

In four weeks’ time, who will she meet at the altar? Duncan, the first person who ever made her feel loved, or Ben, the first person who made her feel?

The setting of a reality dating show had me hooked as I do tend to watch them, think Love Island and 

Are you the One.  It had everything you could want in a story banter, self discovery, romance and a little spice…

It also kept me guessing on how things would work out, as Ben kept saying he couldn’t do marriage, and Duncan kept stringing Molly along.

I will definitely read other books by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from 

Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs, 

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Pinned 4 Murder by J. C. Eaton

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Pinned 4 Murder" the 13th instalment in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series by J.C. Eaton.  I love this series, it always has me laughing at Streetman’s antics.

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When a dead body shows up in the pin return at Sun City West’s bowling alley, it’s only the beginning of a tumultuous league season for this retirement community . . .

With a killer in their midst and a high-tech developer threatening to overhaul their beloved bowling alley, the seniors of Sun City West turn to amateur sleuth Sophie “Phee” Kimball to strike back at both culprits. She’s been recruited by her mother’s friends before, but this time Phee finds herself pulled in two directions when one of the book club ladies gets tangled in the clutches of a dangerous cyber-scammer who pretends to be the love of her life. 

Phee’s investigation grows even more complicated when the bowling alley is sabotaged and a flimflammer is found dead in the nearby bushes. With the league tournament in limbo and one of the seniors pegged as the likely murder suspect, Phee will have to cut the cord on the cyber-criminal and pin the killer—before they can strike again . . .

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in almost one day. I love the characters which are well developed. There is plenty of humour and we can’t forget Streetman the chiweenie in the bowling alley. I laughed at the chaos he caused. The description of what was happening with Gloria and her scammer was all too real, and something that occurs way to often in today’s society. 

The mystery is interesting, well plotted as well as full of twists and turns.  Always an entertaining, fun read. This is one of my favourite series and I always buy in Paperback as I know I will read again.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends. 

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor by Darci Hannah

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “ A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor ” by Darci Hannah the 1st instalment in the "A Food & Spirits Mystery" series.  I loved this book it’s a fun  mystery. I totally added it to my favourite series list! 

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From the author of the charming Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries, the first in a new set at a haunted English manor and featuring chef Bunny MacBride, whose big break on her first reality TV show may be cut short by an unscripted murder…

It isn’t how chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride imagined her own cooking show unfolding. But, if preparing historic meals with a modern flair is what it takes to get her cooking on the air, she can deliver, even if her dinner guest is a ghost. That’s the premise of the new reality TV show Food & Spirits, where Chef Bunny teams up with ghost hunter Brett Bloom and psychic medium Giff McGrady to visit haunted locales around the world and tempt lingering spirits back to the table with a beloved meal. For their first episode, the Food & Spirits team sets off to investigate Bramsford Manor, a historic house turned famously haunted hotel, in picturesque Hampshire, England. The sprawling estate is said to be home to the Mistletoe Bride, a young woman who died in the 18th century, the victim of a tragic accident on her Christmas wedding night.

Disliking spooks but loving food, Bunny leaves the spectral search to the pros and focuses on the feast, creating a traditional English holiday wedding dinner, complete with a gorgeous prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, and rustic apple tarts. It’s a sumptuous meal she hopes will entice the ghostly Mistletoe Bride to take a seat and join them while the cameras roll. But Bunny’s task is made more difficult when someone steals a boning knife from her custom kit. Alas, when the blade finally turns up again—in the chest of an all-too-human dinner guest—Bunny’s woes only grow as she is named a lead suspect in the case! Now, with a haunted house full of living residents, staff, and crew, Bunny will need the help of Brett, Giff, and her clairvoyant Grandma Mac, to solve this murder before the manor gains another ghost!

I really enjoyed getting to know Bunny and visiting Bramsford Manor. I’m hoping Bunny’s Grandma Mac will be in the next book .   

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until  Bunny did.  

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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Booked on Murder by Allison Brook

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Booked on Murder" the 8th instalment in the A Haunted Library Mystery series by Allison Brook. I absolutely loved it!

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Librarian Carrie Singleton must catch a killer before she can say “I do” in the 8th delightful installment in Agatha Award-nominee Allison Brook’s Haunted Library mystery series.

Carrie Singleton is ready to kiss the single life goodbye. Her wedding to Dylan Avery is just a few weeks away, and a happy ending is about to be hers. But when a body is found on the lawn of their wedding venue, happily-ever-after is looking deadlier than ever. 

The victim turns out to be Billy Carpenter, a young man recently released from prison after serving time for a bank robbery. The stolen money he’d buried is gone and Carrie and the police suspect Billy’s two alleged co-conspirators, his friends Luke Rizzo and Tino Valdez. But then Luke is murdered and Tino is nowhere to be found. 

With no leads and only a week to go before her big day, Carrie is on the hunt for clues. She hopes to wrap up this investigation with a neat bow before she and Dylan tie the knot. Carrie has something old, something new, and something borrowed ready for her walk down the aisle. Now she needs to find the killer without becoming the ‘something blue.’

“Booked on Murder” by Allison Brook, the 8th instalment in the Haunted Library Mystery series.  I think this might be my favorite book in the series yet. From the opening pages, I was completely enthralled and couldn't put it down, reading late into the night to uncover the truth.

The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, and I loved the steady pace that kept me on the edge of my seat.  I'm thoroughly invested in the characters and their lives. 

I highly recommend this book to all my fellow cozy mystery lovers - it's a must-read! Allison Brook has outdone herself with this instalment, and Im saddened that it is the last book in the series.   

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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A Poisonous Palate by Lucy Burdette

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "A Poisonous Palate" the 14th instalment in the "A Key West Food Critic" Mystery series by Lucy Burdette. This is one of my favourite foodie cozy mystery series.

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The heat is turned up for Hayley Snow and her friends in the next installment of the Key West Food Critic mystery series by USA Today bestselling author Lucy Burdette.

When food critic Hayley Snow receives an intriguing email about a mysterious, decades-old disappearance, her curiosity is piqued. Writer Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway’s wives, but she’s also on the hunt for the truth about her missing friend. Hayley quickly agrees to help investigate and they hit the road to see what clues they might find.

Back in the late 1970s, Catherine and her friend Veronica were part of a group of lost souls camping in the mangroves of Big Pine Key, until Veronica vanished, and the sheriff’s office cleared out the camp. Catherine and Hayley begin interviewing Big Pine Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance, but uncover more questions than answers. 

Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It’s up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.

I really enjoyed this story and hanging out with Haley, Miss Gloria!  I must say I really do love octogenarian Miss Gloria and all the things she does and says.  I enjoyed learning about Hemingway and his wives too.

Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It’s up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I liked trying to figure out who killed Catherine’s friend in 1978 and one of the suspects today.

I kept second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.   I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs, 

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Fake It 'til You Make It by Laura Carter

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Fake It 'til You Make It " by Laura Carter. 

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'What a breath of fresh air this book is! A perfect, playful escape.' Samantha Tonge 

Can a fake date fix everything?

On a day Abbey thought would be the best of her life – her boyfriend is surely going to propose tonight, right? – it all falls apart: he tells her he’s met someone else. And then to make things worse, she loses her job.

In an act of reimagination, she splurges her wedding savings on renting an apartment in a building she’s always dreamed of living in and kits out her wardrobe to match.

But when her family invites her ex – a close family friend – plus a date(!!) to her parents’ vow renewal, Abbey realizes her façade won’t be enough. There’s nothing for it but to fake one more thing – a romance. And she knows exactly who to ask... her hot new neighbor...

A laugh-out-loud fake-dating rom com, with a chemistry you’ll be thinking about long after turning the last page. Perfect for fans of The Hating Game and Elena Armas

“Fake It ‘til You Make It” by Laura Carter is a delightful read that I devoured in just one day! I was thrilled to find that part of the story takes place in Banff, Alberta, Canada, close to my hometown.

This charming tale has everything: fake dating, family, friendship, and second chances. The characters are well-developed and witty, with banter that had me laughing out loud. The supporting cast, including friends, family, and even the unlikable exes, added depth and humor to the story. I loved how the author skillfully wove together all the elements, making this a must-read for anyone looking for a light-hearted, feel-good romance. I'm eager to explore more of Laura Carter's books in the future!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Boldwood Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs, 

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